Texas Instruments DLPNIRSCANEVM

Overview

DLPNIRSCANEVM from Texas Instruments is a complete near-infrared spectrometer evaluation module built around the DLP4500NIR digital micromirror device (DMD), DLPC350 DMD controller, and AM3358 Sitara™ processor. It delivers lab-grade spectral analysis from 1350 nm to 2450 nm with a 25-µm input slit, cooled InGaAs detector, and integrated tungsten-halogen lamp - enabling rapid prototyping of portable NIR analyzers for material identification.

For engineers reviewing the DLPNIRSCANEVM datasheet, DLPNIRSCANEVM pinout, DLPNIRSCANEVM application, or DLPNIRSCANEVM equivalent, this EVM supports Quick Scan, Custom Scan (Hadamard), and Slew Scan modes; features Ethernet-over-USB and RJ45 connectivity; integrates ADS1255 ADC and TEC-controlled detector; and runs open-source Linux web-server software for browser-based control.

Technical Context

The DLPNIRSCANEVM implements a post-dispersive optical architecture: broadband NIR light passes through a sample, a 25-µm slit, collimating lens, and 1350–2450 nm bandpass filter before striking a reflective grating that disperses wavelengths horizontally across the DLP4500NIR DMD's 912 × 1140 diamond-pixel array. Selected DMD columns reflect target wavelengths toward a single-pixel, TEC-cooled InGaAs detector.

Electronically, the EVM integrates five boards: Spectro board (AM3358 + DLPC350 + eMMC + USB/Ethernet), Detector board (ADS1255 ADC + OPA2376 amplifier), Lamp driver (low-noise constant-current source), TEC driver (closed-loop cooling to –40°F), and DMD interconnect board. All subsystems are synchronized via DLPC350 pattern timing and Sitara-triggered ADC sampling.

Key Specifications

Availability

DLPNIRSCANEVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for process analyzers, laboratory equipment, and dedicated NIR material identification systems requiring stable component supply and validated reference design integration.

Supply support for DLPNIRSCANEVM includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and digital signal technologies, with leadership in DLP® projection and advanced sensing solutions.

The DLPNIRSCANEVM belongs to TI's DLP Spectrometer Reference Design family - engineered to accelerate development of compact, high-performance NIR spectrometers for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial quality control applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DLPNIRSCANEVM?

The DLPNIRSCANEVM is a fully integrated near-infrared spectrometer evaluation module designed to enable rapid development of portable, high-fidelity NIR analyzers. It combines optical, electronic, and software subsystems - including the DLP4500NIR DMD, DLPC350 controller, AM3358 Sitara processor, and cooled InGaAs detector - into a single platform running open-source Linux web-server software for browser-based spectral acquisition and analysis. The DLPNIRSCANEVM serves as both a functional prototype and a production-ready reference design.

Which wavelength range does the DLPNIRSCANEVM support, and how is it achieved?

The DLPNIRSCANEVM operates from 1350 nm to 2450 nm, enabled by its NIR-optimized optical path: a broadband tungsten-halogen lamp illuminates the sample; light passes through a 25-µm slit and a 1350–2450 nm bandpass filter before dispersion via a reflective grating onto the DLP4500NIR DMD. This spectral window targets fundamental molecular vibrations in organic materials, making the DLPNIRSCANEVM suitable for quantifying moisture, fat, protein, and hydrocarbon content. The DLPNIRSCANEVM's fixed bandpass filter defines its operational range - no user tuning is required.

How does the DLPNIRSCANEVM perform spectral acquisition?

The DLPNIRSCANEVM acquires spectra using three distinct scan modes: Quick Scan (predefined patterns), Custom Scan (user-defined Hadamard-encoded patterns), and Slew Scan (continuous DMD column sweep). In all modes, the DLPC350 drives the DLP4500NIR DMD to selectively reflect specific NIR wavelengths toward the cooled InGaAs detector; the ADS1255 ADC digitizes the resulting analog signal under synchronization from the AM3358 Sitara processor. Raw and processed spectral data are served via an onboard Linux web server accessible over USB (RNDIS) or Ethernet. The DLPNIRSCANEVM does not require external instrumentation - all control and visualization occur through a standard web browser.

What interfaces does the DLPNIRSCANEVM provide for host system integration?

The DLPNIRSCANEVM offers multiple host interfaces: Mini-USB (RNDIS Ethernet emulation for direct PC connection), RJ45 Ethernet (static or DHCP-assigned IP), and SPI bus (to ADS1255 ADC). It also includes two configurable trigger I/O connectors (J11 and J12) supporting external synchronization of DMD patterns or detector sampling, plus JTAG and UART debug ports on the Spectro board. USB expansion headers allow optional peripherals (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth), though driver support is not included. The DLPNIRSCANEVM does not expose raw DMD or DLPC350 register access - interaction occurs exclusively through its web API or GUI software.

Is the DLPNIRSCANEVM suitable for production deployment or only evaluation?

The DLPNIRSCANEVM is explicitly designed as an evaluation and reference platform - not a drop-in production module. Its mechanical form factor (~197 × 112 × 96 mm), fan-cooled thermal design, and modular board architecture prioritize flexibility and debuggability over miniaturization or ruggedization. However, TI provides full schematics, layout files, BOM, and firmware source code, enabling direct reuse of validated subsystems (e.g., optical engine, TEC control, DLPC350 interface) in custom designs. Customers deploying the DLPNIRSCANEVM-derived architecture in volume must redesign for size, power efficiency, and environmental compliance - the DLPNIRSCANEVM itself remains a development tool.